SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. — Twenty-five local high school students spent four days exploring energy technologies, environmental science, and STEM career pathways while earning college credit through Cuesta College’s Renewable Energy STEM Camp, held June 22-25 at Arroyo Grande High School.
Now in its third year, the camp has evolved into an official offering connected to Cuesta College's PSCI 220: Energy, Electricity, and Environment course. The program allows participating students to earn college credit while gaining hands-on experience with real-world energy concepts and technologies.
The camp was made possible through a partnership between Cuesta College, NextEra Energy Resources, and the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education (SLOCOE), bringing together academic and industry leaders committed to preparing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
“This renewable energy STEM camp is an excellent example of the kind of high-impact learning experience that can emerge from strong dual enrollment and public-private partnerships,” said Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction Dr. Jason Curtis. “Students are earning college credit while engaging with complex scientific and environmental issues, gaining hands-on experience, and beginning to see the academic and career pathways available to them.”
“NextEra Energy Resources is proud to support this camp because it gives students meaningful opportunities to explore how energy is generated, managed, and delivered, while connecting what they learn in the classroom to potential career pathways,” said Jim Auld, manager of external training initiatives at NextEra Energy Resources. “By working with Cuesta College and local educators, we’re able to bring industry perspective into the classroom and help students better understand the opportunities available in the future of energy.”
Throughout the week, students participated in interactive lessons and activities designed to deepen their understanding of energy systems, environmental challenges, and the technologies shaping the future of energy production and consumption.
Students learned the fundamentals of solar energy systems, including how solar power grids are designed and how solar panels are aligned to maximize energy production. They also explored energy through a hands-on engineering challenge in which teams designed and tested turbine blades in a wind tunnel competition, applying scientific concepts to maximize energy generation.
With full enrollment of 25 students, the camp reflected growing interest in STEM education and career exploration opportunities among local high school students. Participation has steadily increased since the program launched three years ago, demonstrating growing awareness of the camp and its value among students throughout the region.
The camp’s continued growth highlights the impact of providing students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom concepts to real-world applications. Organizers point to increasing enrollment and strong word-of-mouth interest as early indicators of the program’s success while formal long-term outcome tracking is still being developed.
The Renewable Energy STEM Camp also serves as a model for future STEM programming throughout San Luis Obispo County. Organizers hope to expand similar opportunities in the years ahead, creating additional pathways for students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines before graduating from high school.
Industry partnerships played a key role in the program’s success by helping students understand how STEM skills are applied in the workforce and introducing them to emerging career opportunities in fields such as renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
About Cuesta College
Cuesta College empowers students to imagine and achieve brighter futures through high-quality
education, personalized support, and a welcoming community. With a main campus in
San Luis Obispo, a North County Campus in Paso Robles, a South County Center in Arroyo
Grande, and a variety of online offerings, we offer opportunities that inspire growth,
spark innovation, and open doors, helping every student succeed on their unique path.
Learn more at cuesta.edu.